Time is right to trek this trail

South Park should be known for more than foulmouthed cartoon kids. The area has plenty of great trails to explore, especially in the winter.

One of my favorite winter places is the Jefferson Lake trail in Park County. It will take you about three hours to get there by car from Weld County, but it’s worth it.

I went on Feb. 18, a time when snow resembled white diamonds, both in its appearance and its rarity. There wasn’t as much snow as I would have liked, and yet, Jefferson didn’t disappoint me too much.

There was enough white stuff to wear my snowshoes.

Now that things are better, it’s probably a lot of fun. You should try it.

Jefferson is cool because it’s a long, winding road more than it is a trail.

So, if the snow isn’t too deep, you can drive as far as you want. If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, you can go even farther. Just don’t get stuck. It happened to my group on this last trip.

The road is as flat as Greeley. You won’t even think you’re in the mountains. That is, until you reach the final parking lot that I would consider the trail head, even though it’s not exactly marked that way.

Many people park here if the snow allows them to get that far.

It’s only a mile to the lake if you make it to the lot, but it’s a tough mile. It’s a steep, windy road, and you gain 800 feet in this last mile. Many strip a layer as they trudge up this challenge.

But then, once you reach the lake, you can plop down on your pack, put on your coat and enjoy the outstanding views. The lake is surrounded by 12,000- and 13,000-foot peaks.

Jefferson Lake probably is OK in the summer. The state stocks it with trout, and there’s a lot of trees to offer shade from the sun. But right now, I think, is the time to go.

Before all the fun melts.

Dan England covers the outdoors for the Tribune. He has climbed almost 100 mountains and has logged thousands of miles on Colorado’s great trails.